WRIGHTSVILLE, Ga. — As the clock neared midnight, a peaceful conversation between a Wrightsville Police Officer and a firefighter in front of Sidetrack on East College Street abruptly turned into a scene of chaos. An unidentified man approached the pair wielding a large bladed weapon, shattering the calm of the night.

Faced with an imminent threat to both his life and that of the firefighter, the police officer was compelled to open fire, striking the man several times. The wounded suspect was quickly transported by emergency medical services to a nearby hospital. As of now, there is no update on his current condition.

The firefighter, unfortunately, did not escape unscathed. He sustained serious injuries to his arms during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in a patrol vehicle by a deputy. Thankfully, reports indicate that he is expected to survive his injuries.

Meanwhile, the police officer involved in the altercation emerged physically unharmed. In accordance with standard procedures, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was promptly notified and has since taken charge of the investigation to determine the details surrounding this unsettling incident.

The involved Wrightsville Police Department officer sustained no physical injuries during the incident.

Per agency protocol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been notified and has assumed control of the investigation.

No names are being released at this time due to being an active investigation.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.